{{Short description|American musician (born 1990)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians --> | name = Blackbear | image = Drink Bleach Blackbear EP (cropped).jpg | caption = Blackbear in 2016 | birth_name = Matthew Tyler Musto | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|11|27}} | birth_place = Daytona Beach, Florida, U.S. | origin = Palm Coast, Florida, U.S. | spouse = {{marriage|Michele Maturo|2022|2024|end=sep}} | genre = {{flatlist| * Pop * emo * R&B * hip-hop<ref name="allmusic" >{{cite web |last1=Kellman |first1=Andy |title=Blackbear Biography, Songs, & Albums |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/blackbear-mn0003007622/biography |website=AllMusic |access-date=2 November 2022}}</ref> }} | occupation = {{hlist|Musician|singer|songwriter|record producer}} | years_active = 2006–present | label = {{hlist|Columbia|Alamo|Beartrap<ref name="spotify.com">{{Cite web|url=https://open.spotify.com/artist/2cFrymmkijnjDg9SS92EPM|title=blackbear|website=Spotify}}</ref>|Interscope}} | current_member_of = Mansionz {{Infobox person | child = yes | children = 2 | relatives = August Maturo (ex brother-in-law)<ref>{{cite web |last1=Hiramine |first1=Brie |title=OMGCelebrities You Didn't Know Have Half-Siblings |url=https://www.j-14.com/posts/celebrities-you-didn-t-know-have-half-siblings-107357/ |website=J-14.com|date=July 7, 2016 }}</ref> | website = {{URL|beartrap.la}} }} }} '''Matthew Tyler Musto''' (born November 27, 1990), known professionally as '''Blackbear''' (stylized in all lowercase), is an American musician, singer, songwriter and record producer. He has released six studio albums, six EPs, one mixtape and two collaborative albums. Musto is also a member of the alternative hip-hop duo Mansionz with singer Mike Posner.
==Early life== Musto was born in Daytona Beach, Florida,<ref name="allmusic" /> and moved to Palm Coast as a child.<ref name="Wiki Fact Check">{{cite web |title=Who Is Blackbear? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9Anqhkkygk | archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211118/_9Anqhkkygk| archive-date=2021-11-18 | url-status=live|website=YouTube | date=November 28, 2019 |access-date=May 28, 2020}}{{cbignore}}</ref> His father is of Italian descent.<ref name="Vice Cybersex">{{cite web |last1=Haithcoat |first1=Rebecca |title=blackbear Is Extremely Famous, Even If You Don't Know Who He Is |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/blackbear-interview-cybersex-2017/ |website=Vice.com |date=November 14, 2017 |access-date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> He has stated that many of his family members are from Pittston, Pennsylvania.<ref name="Wiki Fact Check"/> In fourth grade, he became interested in music through Rancid, Blink-182, and bands his babysitter introduced him to, such as New Found Glory and Alkaline Trio.<ref name="AP" />
==Career== ===2006–2014: Early career=== In high school, Musto was the singer of Florida-based rock band Polaroid. They released one album, ''Paint The Town''; one EP, ''Inside And Out''; and one demo, ''The Cure Demo'' and have been variously described as being a pop-punk,<ref name="AP" /> punk rock,<ref>{{cite web |last1=STERN |first1=MACKLIN |title=Rapper and R&B Singer Blackbear is Reinvention, Personified |website=Complex Networks |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/04/rapper-and-r-and-b-singer-blackbear-is-reinvention-personified |access-date=February 19, 2021}}</ref> and garage band.<ref name="Wiki Fact Check"/> During Musto's freshman year of high school, the band signed to Leakmob Records.<ref name="AP">{{cite web |last1=Campbell |first1=Rachel |title=REMEMBER WHEN BLACKBEAR USED TO BE IN A SCENE BAND? |url=https://www.altpress.com/features/blackbear-scene-band-polaroid/ |website=Alternative Press |date=July 24, 2018 |access-date=February 8, 2021}}</ref><ref name="complex">{{cite web |title=Rapper and R&B Singer Blackbear is Reinvention, Personified |url=https://www.complex.com/music/2018/04/rapper-and-r-and-b-singer-blackbear-is-reinvention-personified |website=Complex |access-date=November 3, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> Musto dropped out of school in the 10th grade to focus on music.<ref name="Wiki Fact Check"/> As Polaroid progressed, their music became increasingly influenced by emo. By 2008, Musto had also begun to write his own solo music.<ref name="AP" />
After leaving Polaroid, Musto began a solo career when he moved to Atlanta to work with Ne-Yo.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://pigeonsandplanes.com/interviews/2017/11/blackbear-interview|title=The Pop Star Who Never Wanted to be Famous|last=Caitlin|website=Pigeons & Planes}}</ref> He put out his first EP entitled ''Brightness'' in 2008, followed by ''Contrast'' in 2009, and ''Exposure'' in 2010. He put out the Christmas song "I Hate the Holidays" with Tyler Carter, then-member of the band Woe, Is Me in late-2010, shortly followed by a new single, "Douche Bag" in early-January 2011. In mid-2011, Musto released both the ''Gone for Good'' EP and the ''Year of the Blackbear'' EP. In fall 2011, Musto decided to use his nickname Blackbear as his pseudonym when making music. The first song to be released with the Blackbear moniker is Mike Posner's "Marauder Music" in November 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Internet Archive Search: creator%3A%22Matthew Tyler Musto%22|url=https://archive.org/search.php?query=creator%3A%22Matthew+Tyler+Musto%22|website=archive.org|access-date=December 6, 2017|language=en}}</ref>
Musto co-wrote Justin Bieber's "Boyfriend",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.inquisitr.com/211223/justin-bieber-releases-new-single-boyfriend-audio/|title=Justin Bieber Releases New Single, 'Boyfriend' [Audio]|date=June 16, 2013 }}</ref> a number 2 hit on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 in early 2012. Intent on pursuing a career as an R&B singer, Musto released his debut EP ''Foreplay'' on April 20, 2012, and his debut mixtape ''Sex'' on October 31, 2012. Both releases were under the name Blackbear, and ''Sex'' featured collaborations from fellow "Boyfriend" co-writer Mike Posner, along with producers, singers, and songwriters James Blake and Maejor Ali.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rubenstein|first1=Jenna|title=blackbear's 'Sex the Mixtape' features blackbear's 'Sex The Mixtape' Features Collabs with Mike Posner, T. Mills, and Other Really Famous People|url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2302551/blackbear-sex-the-mixtape/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222065940/http://www.mtv.com/news/2302551/blackbear-sex-the-mixtape/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 22, 2015|website=MTV|date=November 1, 2012|access-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref> He also appeared on Machine Gun Kelly's "End of the Road" from the ''Lace Up'' album, released October 9, 2012.
On August 23, 2013, Blackbear released his debut solo single, "Nyla". On April 20, 2014, Blackbear released ''The Afterglow'' EP,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-afterglow-ep/id867630879|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231145054/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-afterglow-ep/id867630879|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 31, 2014|title=The Afterglow – EP by Blackbear on iTunes|publisher=iTunes|date=April 20, 2014|access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref> which landed him number four on Billboard's Uncharted listing of releases from upcoming artists.<ref name="billboard.com">{{Cite magazine|title=blackbear – Biography – Billboard|magazine=Billboard|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/6078323/blackbear/biography|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729202238/https://www.billboard.com/artist/6078323/blackbear/biography|archive-date=July 29, 2019|access-date=July 3, 2016}}</ref>
In 2014, Blackbear became one of the first independent artists to monetize streaming on SoundCloud.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/6228878/soundcloud-monetization-advertising|title=SoundCloud Debuts Monetization Play With 'On SoundCloud', Announces $100 Million In Funding|magazine=Billboard|date=August 21, 2014}}</ref>
===2015: ''Deadroses'' and ''Help''=== Blackbear released his first full-length album, ''Deadroses'', a self-released set of 10 tracks, on February 14, 2015. The album received favorable reviews, one of which stating that the album had "pleasantly mixed together a plethora of genres, sounds, and emotions to create a completely cohesive and unique project."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://rlgtcanada.com/2015/07/29/did-blackbear-discretely-drop-the-album-of-the-year/|title=Did Blackbear Discretely Drop The Album Of The Year?|date=July 29, 2015|website=rlgtcanada.com}}</ref> The lead single, "Idfc", charted on ''Billboard'''s R&B Hot 100 and held a spot on the ''Billboard'' R&B charts for over a year. "Idfc" shot Blackbear to the top 20 of the Billboard charts.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.billboard.com/artist/6078323/blackbear/chart?f=1230&sort=position|title=Blackbear – Chart history – Billboard|website=Billboard.com|access-date=April 24, 2017|archive-date=July 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180726134956/https://www.billboard.com/artist/6078323/blackbear/chart?f=1230&sort=position|url-status=dead}}</ref> Two other singles, "4U" and "Dirty Laundry", were released, as well as the title track being released as a promotional single.
In May 2015, his track "Nyla" was featured in the documentary ''Hot Girls Wanted'' on Netflix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4382552/|title=Hot Girls Wanted|date=May 29, 2015|via=IMDb}}</ref>
''Deadroses'' was followed by the EP ''Dead'', which featured acoustic versions of four ''Deadroses'' tracks, as well as one new track, "Weak When Ur Around".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dead-acoustic-ep/991111726|title=Dead (Acoustic) – EP by blackbear on iTunes|publisher=iTunes|date=June 2, 2015|access-date=June 30, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/dead-acoustic-ep/991111726|title=dead (Acoustic) – EP by blackbear|date=June 2, 2015|via=music.apple.com}}</ref>
He released his second full-length album, ''Help'', on November 27, 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/help/1083607683|title=Help by blackbear on iTunes|publisher=iTunes|date=November 27, 2015|access-date=November 27, 2015}}</ref>
=== 2016: ''Drink Bleach'', ''Cashmere Noose'', and Mansionz === On April 20, 2016, Blackbear released his fourth EP, ''Drink Bleach'', which featured appearances from "Boyfriend" collaborator Mike Posner as well as American hip-hop recording artist and The HBK Gang co-founder P-Lo.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/drink-bleach-ep/1124677370|title=Drink Bleach – EP by blackbear on iTunes|publisher=iTunes|date=April 20, 2016|access-date=April 20, 2016}}</ref>
Throughout the year, Blackbear collaborated with other artists such as American rock band Linkin Park as well as Jacob Sartorius and Phoebe Ryan. He also toured with Hoodie Allen, whose 2016 track and ''Happy Camper'' promotional single "Champagne and Pools" also featured Blackbear. Mid-year, he joined Super Duper Kyle and Tinashe on their tours.
On August 2, 2016, Blackbear released his fifth EP, titled ''Cashmere Noose'', through SoundCloud.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/iamblackbear/sets/cashmere-noose|title=SoundCloud - Hear the world’s sounds|website=Soundcloud.com|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref> He handled the EP's production entirely on his own through his production collective Beartrap Records. The original version of ''Cashmere Noose'' can still be found on Blackbear's SoundCloud page.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/iamblackbear/sets/cashmere-noose|title=cashmere noose|website=Soundcloud.com|language=en|access-date=April 8, 2017}}</ref> The deluxe version of ''Cashmere Noose'' peaked at number one on the iTunes R&B charts and number six overall on iTunes, just behind Beyoncé's ''Lemonade'' and Drake's ''Views''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hiphopweeklyradio.com/chart-toppers-112216/|title=[CHART TOPPERS] This Week in Music Sales: Nov. 22, 2016 – Hip Hop Weekly Radio|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=July 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200714061259/http://hiphopweeklyradio.com/chart-toppers-112216/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Blackbear was also featured in Olivia O'Brien's single "Root Beer Float", released September 15, 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Kress|first1=Bryan|title=Olivia O'Brien Releases Sugary 'Root Beer Float,' Feat. blackbear: Exclusive Premiere|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/olivia-obrien-root-beer-float-blackbear-premiere-7511035/|magazine=Billboard|date=September 15, 2016|access-date=February 28, 2017}}</ref> He also released the track "If I Could I Would Feel Nothing", a freestyle originally posted on his Twitter that eventually became a promotional single for his upcoming third studio album.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamblackbear/status/804845291824447488?lang=en|title=Blackbear on Twitter|website=Twitter.com|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref>
In late 2016, Blackbear formed the alternative hip-hop duo Mansionz with frequent collaborator and singer-songwriter Mike Posner. Mansionz has been active since 2016 and is based out of Los Angeles, California. The duo released their debut single, "STFU", on December 9, 2016. The song features rapper Spark Master Tape. Mansionz released two more singles in early 2017, "Rich White Girls" and "Dennis Rodman", the latter of which features the basketball player Dennis Rodman. Both of these singles, along with "STFU", were featured on Mansionz' self-titled debut album which was released on March 24, 2017, and features guest appearances from G-Eazy, Soren Bryce, CyHi the Prynce, and Snoozegod.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Coleman III|first1=C. Vernon|title=G-Eazy and CyHi The Prynce Show Up on Mansionz's New Album – XXL|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/03/g-eazy-cyhi-the-prynce-mansionzs-new-album/|website=XXL Mag|date=March 25, 2017 |access-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref>
===2017–2018: ''Digital Druglord'' and ''Cybersex''=== On January 29, 2017, he posted the track "Make Daddy Proud", which was a remix of Jeremy Zucker's "Heavy", on his SoundCloud page. The track was later confirmed to be the next promotional single for his third studio album ''Digital Druglord''. On March 17, 2017, Blackbear released the lead single for the album, titled "Do Re Mi".<ref name="do re mi">{{Citation|title=blackbear – do re mi|url=https://genius.com/Blackbear-do-re-mi-lyrics|website=Genius.com|language=en|access-date=May 19, 2017}}</ref>
On April 2, 2017, shortly before the release of ''Digital Druglord'', Blackbear released a short acoustic EP titled ''Salt'' on his SoundCloud. ''Digital Druglord'' was released on April 20, 2017, featuring the single "Do Re Mi" along with promotional singles "If I Could I Would Feel Nothing" and "Make Daddy Proud".<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/digital-druglord/id1216872048 |title=Digital druglord by Blackbear on Apple Music |website=iTunes |access-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-date=March 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170328195131/https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/digital-druglord/id1216872048 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In an interview with Vice's music channel Noisey, he revealed that he wrote ''Digital Druglord'' while in the hospital based on his experiences with alcohol and drugs. He states that the cover art for the album, a woman with pill bottles attached to her chest, is not to glorify the use of pharmaceuticals, but because he now has to take prescription drugs to stay alive due to his illness.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/blackbear-interview-cybersex-2017/|title=blackbear Is Extremely Famous, Even If You Don't Know Who He Is|date=November 14, 2017|work=Noisey|access-date=June 24, 2018|language=en-us}}</ref>
On June 22, 2017, he signed a 10 million dollar distribution deal with Interscope that gave the label the rights to ''Digital Druglord'' and the following studio album and their respective singles.<ref name="complex" />
On August 18, 2017, Blackbear announced his next project, the mixtape ''Cybersex''. The name ''Cybersex'' comes from Blackbear's infatuation with the internet. In an interview with Pigeons & Planes, he talks about how the internet is why he is here and how cybersex was the first form of sexting. He states how he finds the internet interesting and how you can now fall asleep with your loved one in another country, due to technology.<ref name=":0" /> He released a song on SoundCloud in September 2017 titled "Froze Over". The track was written and produced by Good Intent and Blackbear and it would later appear in ''Cybersex'' as a two part interlude titled "Thursday/Froze Over". On October 6, 2017, a song titled "Playboy Shit", which features rapper Lil Aaron, was released on Blackbear's PornHub account and confirmed to be a part of the project.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/playboy-s-t-feat-lil-aaron-single/id1293942675|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127184253/https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/playboy-s-t-feat-lil-aaron-single/id1293942675|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 27, 2017|title=Playboy S**t (feat. lil aaron) – Single by blackbear on Apple Music|website=iTunes|access-date=October 14, 2017}}</ref> On October 20, 2017, Blackbear released the single "Bright Pink Tims" featuring Cam'ron. This day also marked the first day of his tour in support of Fall Out Boy's Mania Tour, running until November 18. On November 27, 2017, Musto's 27th birthday, ''Cybersex'' was released.
On April 26, 2018, Blackbear was featured on Mike Shinoda's song "About You" from his album ''Post Traumatic'', dealing with the death of fellow Linkin Park bandmate Chester Bennington.<ref>{{cite web |date=April 24, 2018 |title=LINKIN PARK's MIKE SHINODA: 'I Had Terrible Days, And Now I Have Less Bad Days' |url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/linkin-parks-mike-shinoda-i-had-terrible-days-and-now-i-have-less-bad-days/ |access-date=May 12, 2018 |website=Blabbermouth.net}}</ref>
On August 23, 2018, Blackbear released his single titled "The 1", originally intended to be the lead single of his fourth studio album.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blackbear Is Back With "The 1" |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/112316-blackbear-is-back-with-the-1-new-song |website=HotNewHipHop.com |date=August 23, 2018 |access-date=November 3, 2018}}</ref>
===2019–2021: ''Anonymous'', ''Everything Means Nothing'', and ''Misery Lake''===
In February 2019, Blackbear said he would be releasing a single per week until April 26, which is when his fourth studio album would be released. Five singles were released before the album's release: "1 Sided Love" on February 14, "High1x" on March 1, "Swear to God" on March 13, "Hate My Guts" on March 29, and "Dead to Me" on April 12. The latter three were included in a medley music video released on June 19.<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oF0--5rrEos |title=blackbear – SWEAR TO GOD/HATE MY GUTS/DEAD TO ME (Medley) |date=2019-06-19 |access-date=2025-01-09 |via=YouTube}}</ref>
April 26, 2019, Blackbear released the full album, ''Anonymous''., his longest album yet, containing 18 tracks lasting a total of 51 minutes.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Preston |first=Devon |date=January 22, 2019 |title=Exclusive: Blackbear Dishes on His Upcoming Album |url=https://www.inkedmag.com/original-news/exclusive-blackbear-dishes-on-his-upcoming-album |access-date=April 13, 2019 |website=Tattoo Ideas, Artists and Models}}</ref> Along with the release of this album, he posted a photo on Instagram with a caption discussing his gratefulness of a second chance after his health complications at age 27, and he discusses how meaningful this album is to him.
On August 23, 2019, he released the single "Hot Girl Bummer". It was inspired by his diagnosis of necrotizing pancreatitis. The mention of drug and alcohol abuse over a short period of time alludes to his addiction during his diagnosis.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Erica |title=Music {{!}} Blackbear navigates discomfort through songwriting, spirituality |url=https://www.dispatch.com/entertainmentlife/20190821/music--blackbear-navigates-discomfort-through-songwriting-spirituality |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210909185723/https://www.dispatch.com/entertainmentlife/20190821/music--blackbear-navigates-discomfort-through-songwriting-spirituality |archive-date=2021-09-09 |access-date=2021-09-09 |website=The Columbus Dispatch |language=en}}</ref> The song reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified 6× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Gold & Platinum |url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Blackbear&ti=Hot+Girl+Bummer&format=Single&type=#search_section |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=RIAA |language=en-US}}</ref> The song would end up as the lead single of his fifth studio album fifth studio album ''Everything Means Nothing''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/blackblack-hot-girl-bummer-video/|title=blackbear drops "Hot Girl Bummer" anthem after defending track title|first=Alex|last=Darus|website=Alternative Press|date=August 23, 2019}}</ref>
On November 13, 2019, he released the one-off single "Tongue Tied", with American producer Marshmello and English singer Yungblud.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Shaffer |first=Claire |date=2019-11-13 |title=Marshmello Drops New Single 'Tongue Tied' With Yungblud, Blackbear |url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/yungblud-tongue-tied-marshmello-blackbear-911671/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |magazine=Rolling Stone |language=en-US}}</ref>
On January 16, 2020, he released the album's second single "Me & Ur Ghost".
On March 13, 2020, Ellie Goulding's single "Worry About Me" featuring Blackbear was released from her album ''Brightest Blue''. This was followed up on April 3, when he was also featured on the All Time Low song "Monsters" from their album ''Wake Up, Sunshine''.
On July 5, 2020, Blackbear tweeted the release date of the coming album, stating it would be a "2 part LP", with the first part releasing July 17, and the second part releasing August 21.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/iamblackbear/status/1279829056259674112 |title=Tweet |website=Twitter.com|access-date=2021-05-02}}</ref> Following this, on July 10, he released the album's third single, "Queen of Broken Hearts". The first half of the album consists of three new singles and the three already released, with new songs "I Feel Bad", "I Feel 2 Much", and "I Felt That". The tracklist for the second half of ''Everything Means Nothing'' was also released, with songs "Sobbing In Cabo", "Clown" with Trevor Daniel, "Half Alive", "If I Were U" with Lauv, "Why Are Girls", and "Smile Again".<ref name="Apple Music">{{cite web|title=everything means nothing by blackbear|url=https://music.apple.com/nz/album/everything-means-nothing/1523577252|access-date=July 18, 2020|archive-date=April 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401111923/https://music.apple.com/nz/album/everything-means-nothing/1523577252|url-status=dead}}</ref>
On August 7, 2020, Blackbear was featured on Machine Gun Kelly's single "My Ex's Best Friend" from his album''Tickets to My Downfall''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.altpress.com/news/machine-gun-kelly-blackbear-2020-collab/|title=Machine Gun Kelly and blackbear join forces again for "my ex's best friend"|first=Rachael|last=Dowd|website=Altpress.com|date=August 7, 2020|access-date=September 26, 2020|archive-date=September 22, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200922120426/https://www.altpress.com/news/machine-gun-kelly-blackbear-2020-collab/|url-status=live}}</ref> Following that on October 16 was G-Eazy's single "Hate the Way" from the deluxe edition of ''These Things Happen Too'' on which he was also featured. On December 25, Blackbear released the song "Cheers" with American rapper Wiz Khalifa.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Marie |first1=Erika |title=Wiz Khalifa & blackbear Celebrate The Ups & Downs Of Life On "Cheers |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/310578-wiz-khalifa-and-blackbear-celebrate-the-ups-and-downs-of-life-on-cheers-new-song |website=HotNewHipHop |access-date=5 October 2024 |language=en |date=25 December 2020}}</ref>
On March 12, 2021, Blackbear was featured on Mod Sun's single, "Heavy".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mod Sun Releases Heavy Ft. Blackbear Today |url=https://shorefire.com/releases/entry/mod-sun-releases-heavy-ft-blackbear-today |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=Shore Fire Media |language=en}}</ref> On May 21, Blackbear released the single "Jealousy" alongside Mansionz partner Mike Posner, the first track in 4 years following the duo's self-titled debut album.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Brandle |first=Lars |date=2021-06-02 |title=Mike Posner Scales Mount Everest for Fundraising Mission |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/mike-posner-mount-everest-charity-9581183/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
On June 4, 2021, Blackbear released the song "U Love U" with Canadian singer-songwriter Tate McRae, as the lead single from his seventh extended play, ''Misery Lake''. On July 14, Blackbear announced its tracklist alongside a tweet that the EP would be delayed to August 13 as a result of Sony Music Entertainment acquiring Alamo Records. Under Sony, he was assigned to its flagship label Columbia Records. Sony Music also distributes his previous releases for Alamo, from the period when it was distributed by Interscope.
On July 9, 2021, Blackbear released the song "Memory" alongside American country singer Kane Brown.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Newman |first=Melinda |date=2021-06-30 |title=Kane Brown & Blackbear Pair on Pop Track 'Memory' |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/kane-brown-blackbear-memory-announced-9595488/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref>
On August 6 2021, Blackbear released the song "@ My Worst" as the second single from ''Misery Lake'', followed by the EP's release on August 13.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Inside the World of Blackbear, Who Likes Being Everywhere At Once |magazine=Billboard |date=13 August 2021 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/blackbear-interview-misery-lake-ep-9614030/ |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref>
On November 4, 2021, ASCAP announced Blackbear's signing to a song administration deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ascap.com/press/2021/11/11-4-adam-levine-blackbear-join-ascap|title=Chart-Topping Pop Hitmakers Adam Levine and blackbear Join ASCAP Family|website=ASCAP|date=2021-11-04|access-date=2022-05-26}}</ref> He was previously affiliated with Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI), which still controls his shareholdings to previous works.
===2022–present: ''In Loving Memory'', ''Mansionz 2'', and ''Analogue Dream''=== On May 27, 2022, Blackbear released the song "GFY" with Machine Gun Kelly as the lead single from his sixth studio album ''In Loving Memory''.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Lavin |first1=Will |title=Machine Gun Kelly joins Blackbear on angsty new break-up anthem 'GFY' |journal=NME |date=28 May 2022 |url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/machine-gun-kelly-joins-blackbear-on-angsty-new-break-up-anthem-gfy-3235725 |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref> On July 8, the second single from the album titled "The Idea" was released.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-07-08 |title=Blackbear Drops 'The Idea,' A Contemplative New Single |url=https://uproxx.com/music/blackbear-the-idea/ |access-date=2025-01-09 |website=UPROXX |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 16, Blackbear announced the tracklist and official release date for the album along with the pre-order. On August 5, 2022, Blackbear released the only promotional single from the album titled "Toxic Energy", featuring The Used.<ref>{{cite web |title=blackbear Unleashes "toxic energy" ft. The Used Today – highly anticipated album "In Loving Memory" due August 26, 2022 – Sony Music Canada |url=https://www.sonymusic.ca/press_release/blackbear-unleashes-toxic-energy-ft-the-used-today-highly-anticipated-album-in-loving-memory-due-august-26-2022 |website=Sony Music Press |access-date=5 October 2024}}</ref>
On August 26, 2022, Blackbear's sixth studio album, ''In Loving Memory'', was released.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blackbear – In Loving Memory – CD |url=https://roughtrade.com/us/blackbear/in-loving-memory/cd?channable=4094e069640033353031303987 |access-date=21 July 2022 |website=Rough Trade}}</ref> The album switches Blackbear's pop rap style to pop-punk. The album features appearances from pop-punk bands The Used, New Found Glory, and Bayside and production from Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker.
On October 31, 2023, Blackbear and Mansionz partner Mike Posner released their long awaited follow-up album, ''Mansionz 2''. It was released with no singles and little promotion.
== Production and songwriting == In addition to his own music, Musto has produced and written for many popular artists. He has collaborated with numerous musical artists such as Justin Bieber, Boywithuke, G-Eazy, Mike Posner, All Time Low, Nick Jonas, Machine Gun Kelly, Ellie Goulding, Cam'ron, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Mod Sun, Rivers Cuomo, Linkin Park, Billie Eilish, Pharrell Williams, Miley Cyrus, Mike Shinoda, Charlie Puth, Tiny Meat Gang, and Maroon 5.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pop-buzz.com/just-music/who-is-blackbear/|title=Who Is blackbear And Why Do Your Faves Love Him?|website=Pop Buzz|access-date=July 3, 2016|archive-date=March 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160312061710/http://www.pop-buzz.com/just-music/who-is-blackbear/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He co-wrote "Boyfriend" by Justin Bieber, alongside Mike Posner, which debuted at number two on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100.<ref name=":1">{{cite magazine|last1=Trust|first1=Gary|title=Justin Bieber's 'Boyfriend' Debuts at No. 2 on Hot 100|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/497102/justin-biebers-boyfriend-debuts-at-no-2-on-hot-100|magazine=Billboard|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=April 3, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.warnerchappell.com/song-details/WW%20010026937%2000/2bcabefc-9461-4f97-9294-160347dafb3d|website=Warnerchappell.com|access-date=March 6, 2019|title=Boyfriend – Warner/Chappell Music}}</ref> He also produced the title track from G-Eazy's album ''These Things Happen'', as well as featuring on the album.<ref name=":1" />
== Personal life == In April 2016, Musto was hospitalized and diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis. During his time in the hospital, he wrote his album ''Digital Druglord'' and took this time to become sober.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blackbear Looked Death in The Eyes And Released His Best Album to Date |url=https://www.hypefresh.co/blackbear-looked-death-in-the-eyes-and-released-his-best-album-to-date/ |website=Hypefresh Inc |access-date=January 23, 2020 |date=May 25, 2017 |archive-date=July 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715151350/https://www.hypefresh.co/blackbear-looked-death-in-the-eyes-and-released-his-best-album-to-date/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=How a Near-Death Experience Helped blackbear Make His Most Successful Album Yet |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/7785135/blackbear-digital-druglord-album-interview |magazine=Billboard |date=May 12, 2017 |access-date=January 23, 2020}}</ref> In August 2018, he joined forces with Mission: Cure, a non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for chronic pancreatitis. He was a recipient of the "Courage Award" for his inspiration to others living with pancreatitis and gave a speech at their gala event.<ref>{{Cite press release|url=https://www.newswire.com/news/la-party-for-a-cure-to-welcome-multi-platinum-recording-artist-20614399|title=LA Party for a Cure to Welcome Multi-Platinum Recording Artist Blackbear|website=Newswire.com}}</ref>
In November 2018, Musto collaborated with the brand PopSockets and donated 50% of the proceeds of his branded products to Mission: Cure.<ref>{{cite web|date=November 16, 2018|title=im 1 of many w/ chronic pancreatitis mission : cure are closer everyday to finding a cure. donating half to them!|url=https://twitter.com/iamblackbear/status/1063566734815195136?lang=en|url-status=live|access-date=January 23, 2020|website=Twitter|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729202949/https://twitter.com/iamblackbear/status/1063566734815195136?lang=en |archive-date=July 29, 2021 }}</ref>
In 2017, Musto was in a relationship with actress Bella Thorne.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gaitan |first1=Gisselle |title=Kiss KissBella Thorne and Blackbear Make It Official By Welcoming a New Member of the family, a Puppy |url=https://www.j-14.com/posts/bella-thorne-blackbear-instagram-official-and-adopt-dog-138436/ |website=K-14 |date=August 3, 2017 |access-date=17 January 2023}}</ref> On September 25, 2019, Musto announced that he and his girlfriend Michele Maturo were expecting their first child in January 2020.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Shoemaker |first1=Whitney |title=blackbear and Michele Maturo announce pregnancy |url=https://www.altpress.com/news/blackbear-michele-maturo-pregnancy-baby-boy/ |website=Alternative Press |access-date=October 4, 2019 |date=September 26, 2019}}</ref> On January 29, 2020, the couple announced the birth of their son born on January 26, 2020.<ref>{{cite web |title=blackbear on Instagram: "MIDNIGHT THOMAS MUSTO IS HERE im a papa im a daddy!!!!!!!! omg omg i havent stopp crying" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B76uG3unKVS/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B76uG3unKVS |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|website=Instagram |access-date=January 30, 2020 |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Michele on Instagram: "Midnight Thomas Musto is here + healthy & weighs 7lb 3oz & arrived January 26th. No other way to describe how I feel besides perfect.…" |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/B76l_XYnA54/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/B76l_XYnA54 |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|website=Instagram |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On April 11, 2021, the couple announced their engagement via Maturo's Instagram page.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michele on Instagram: "Said yeso my forever person|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CNis3Xiro3c/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CNis3Xiro3c |archive-date=2021-12-23 |url-access=subscription|website=Instagram |language=en}}{{cbignore}}</ref> On February 22, 2022, they married and on March 12, 2022, the couple had their second son. In October 2024, Musto announced that he and Maturo had separated.
In February 2025, Musto came out as bisexual via Reddit.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Blackbear/comments/1j8imk9/so_this_is_bear_confirmed_posted_on_his_story/|title=Reddit - Please wait for verification|website=Reddit.com|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Blackbear/comments/1j1i01n/the_reckoning/|title=Reddit - Please wait for verification|website=Reddit.com|access-date=May 6, 2026}}</ref>
==Discography== {{Main|Blackbear discography}}
'''Studio albums''' * ''Deadroses'' (2015) * ''Help'' (2015) * ''Digital Druglord'' (2017) * ''Anonymous'' (2019) * ''Everything Means Nothing'' (2020) * ''In Loving Memory'' (2022) * ''Analogue Dream'' (2026)
== Awards and nominations == {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" !Award !Year !Nomination !Work !Result !Ref. |- ! scope="row" rowspan="2" |Billboard Music Awards | rowspan="2" |2021 | rowspan="2" |Top Rock Song |"Monsters" |rowspan=1 {{nominated}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="auto">{{Cite magazine|title=The Weeknd Leads All Finalists for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards: See the Full List|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/awards/9565011/billboard-music-awards-2021-finalists-full-list/|access-date=2021-07-13|magazine=Billboard|date=April 29, 2021|language=en}}</ref> |- |"My Ex's Best Friend" |rowspan=1 {{nominated}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="auto"/> |- ! scope="row" rowspan="4" |iHeartRadio Music Awards |2018 |Best Remix |"do re mi (feat. Gucci Mane)" |rowspan=1 {{nominated}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite news |url=https://news.iheart.com/featured/iheartradio-music-awards/content/2018-01-10-2018-iheartradio-music-awards-see-the-full-list-of-nominees/ |title=2018 iHeartRadio Music Awards: See The Full List of Nominees |date=January 10, 2018 |work=iHeartRadio |access-date=January 10, 2018}}</ref> |- |2021 |Best New Pop Artist |Himself |rowspan=1 {{nominated}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2021-04-07-2021-iheartradio-music-awards-see-the-full-list-of-nominees/ |title=2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards: See The Full List of Nominees |date=April 7, 2021 |work=iHeartRadio |access-date=April 7, 2021}}</ref> |- | rowspan="2" |2022 | rowspan="2" |Alternative Song of the Year |"My Ex's Best Friend" |rowspan=1 {{nominated}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="auto1">{{Cite magazine|title=2022 iHeartRadio Music Awards: See the Full List|url=https://www.iheart.com/content/2022-01-26-2022-iheartradio-music-awards-see-the-full-list-of-nominees/|access-date=2022-01-27|magazine=iHeart Radio|date=January 27, 2022|language=en}}</ref> |- |"Monsters" |rowspan=1 {{won}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref name="auto1"/> |- !iHeartRadio Titanium Awards |2020 |1 Billion Total Audience Spins on iHeartRadio Stations |"Hot Girl Bummer" |rowspan=1 {{won}} |<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Aniftos |first=Rania |date=2021-01-08 |title=Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd & More Earn iHeartRadio Titanium Awards for 1 Billion Spins in 2020 |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/pop/ariana-grande-justin-bieber-the-weeknd-iheartradio-titanium-awards-billion-spins-9502016/ |access-date=2023-02-06 |magazine=Billboard |language=en-US}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"|MTV Europe Music Awards |2020 |Best Alternative |"me & ur ghost" |rowspan=1 {{nominated}} | style="text-align:center" | <ref>{{Cite web|title=MTV EMA 2020 VOTING|url=https://www.mtvema.com/de-ch/wahl/bestalternative/|access-date=November 12, 2020|website=Mtvema.com}}</ref> |- ! scope="row"|MTV Video Music Awards |2021 |Best Alternative |"My Ex's Best Friend" |rowspan=1 {{won}} | style="text-align:center" |<ref>{{Cite web|title= THE 2021 VMA NOMINATIONS ARE HERE: JUSTIN BIEBER, MEGAN THEE STALLION, AND MORE |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/3179856/vma-nominees-2021-justin-bieber-megan-thee-stallion/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210811160224/http://www.mtv.com/news/3179856/vma-nominees-2021-justin-bieber-megan-thee-stallion/|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 11, 2021|access-date=August 15, 2021|website=Mtv.com}}</ref> |}
==Filmography== {| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year ! Title ! Role ! class="unsortable" | Notes |- |2021 | ''Downfalls High'' | Himself | <ref>{{cite web |last1=Weston |first1=Christopher |title=IS DOWNFALLS HIGH GOING TO BE ON NETFLIX? HOW TO WATCH THE 2021 MACHINE GUN KELLY MOVIE |date=January 14, 2021 |url=https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/01/14/is-downfalls-high-going-to-be-on-netflix/ |access-date=February 12, 2021 |archive-date=January 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115131120/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2021/01/14/is-downfalls-high-going-to-be-on-netflix/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> |}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== *{{official website}} *{{allMusic}}
{{Blackbear}} {{MTV Video Music Award for Best Alternative Video}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Blackbear}} Category:1990 births Category:Living people Category:Columbia Records artists Category:Interscope Records artists Category:American contemporary R&B singers Category:American hip-hop singers Category:American dance musicians Category:American people of Italian descent Category:American male pop singers Category:Record producers from Pennsylvania Category:Record producers from Florida Category:Singers from Florida Category:American rock singers Category:MTV Video Music Award winners Category:Singers from Pennsylvania Category:Alternative hip-hop musicians Category:American male songwriters Category:Pop rappers Category:American alternative rock singers Category:American alternative rock musicians Category:Pop punk singers Category:Emo musicians Category:Musicians from Daytona Beach, Florida Category:People from Palm Coast, Florida Category:Alamo Records artists Category:21st-century American male rappers